Flexible panel and sealable bag with sorbent

ABSTRACT

A flexible panel in a sealable bag for disaster recovery has permeable inner layers and an impermeable outer layer affixed together so as to provide a plurality of cavities for receiving sorbent material. The cavities are arranged in a pattern across the flexible panel. A port is shown extending through all of the layers of the flexible panel. The port is used for introducing into and removing gas and/or liquid from the bag. The flexible panel may have one or more electronic components operable to monitor or control the chemical environment in the bag. The components may be affixed or printed on internal layers of the bag, such as: a conductor, a heater, a processor, a communications transmitter, a communications receiver and a GPS receiver. A remote module in electrical and/or wireless communication with the bag is operable to monitor and control the chemical environment in the bag.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a flexible panel for use in a sealablebag, a sealable bag and a sealed tablet for use with sorbent material,such as oxygen and moisture absorbers and odour adsorbers. The presentinvention also relates to a method of preserving an item, a sealabledisaster recovery bag and a disaster recovery system. The bags may beused for example for fire and flood disaster recovery of electronicsequipment, protection of artistic works or preventive protection ofhousehold items in the event of a flood.

BACKGROUND

Following a fire or a flood, humidity levels can rapidly rise andcorrosive environments can manifest. If metallic surfaces and sensitiveelectronic equipment are left exposed in this environment, they canbecome prone to corrosion.

Immediately following a fire or flood, there is an opportunity forrestoration of electronic equipment. Such restoration can be highlyeffective, however this option has time constraints; the restorationmust be done quickly. As this time-restricted window of opportunitysubsides, the opportunity for economic restoration becomes less likely.As each hour passes the extent of the damage increases. A damageassessment of fire or flood damaged equipment inspected on day one ofthe incident may indicate that the equipment is salvageable. However,this may no longer be the case on day two. This is a huge problem forall concerned.

Dehumidifiers can be used to reduce moisture levels from whole rooms orbuildings, but only water and/or water vapour is removed and thetimescale is too long to prevent irrecoverable damage to electronicequipment. Furthermore, in a major flood incident, there can be ascarcity of dehumidifying plant across the whole region affected. Alsodehumidifiers and in particular desiccant dehumidifiers can causeElectrostatic Discharge (ESD) problems.

With finite resources given to the restoration effort, even prioritisingwhich equipment to start with takes up valuable time.

Problems exist when using drying agents including sodium, potassium andmagnesium in a confined enclosure, on contact with various organicsubstances. Furthermore, fire or flood damaged equipment poses a hazardwhich can exacerbate the risks. Unlike uncontaminated equipment, fireand flood damaged items have to be treated with caution as a chemicallyor biologically active film may exist on the surface of the equipment.

A known approach to providing a controlled local environment to halt thedegradation of electronic equipment that has been subjected to fire orflood is to use a sealable bag.

UK patent GB2350347 in the name of the applicant discloses a bag forstorage of items in a controlled environment. The bag is intended forpreserving items such as electrical goods placed therein from corrosion,especially following a fire or flood. The plastic bag is lined withoxidation arrest paper and has a mouth closeable by a strip seal. Valvemeans in the bag wall may comprise a locking inlet valve through which amoisture displacer may be pumped in, and a locking outlet valve throughwhich air can be extracted from the bag. The bag may contain a humidityindicator card and also contain a desiccant such as silica gel.

A problem with this is that the oxygen absorber is not separated fromthe electrical equipment in the bag, so it can become damaged and canitself contaminate the electrical equipment.

US patent application U.S. Pat. No. 5,739,463 in the name of RaychemCorporation discloses sealed electronics packaging for the environmentalprotection of active electronic circuit boards and the like assemblies.An envelope has walls of a laminate material. The particular sheetmaterial comprises top and bottom layers of a suitable material such aslow density polyethylene about 200 microns thick and two interior layersabout 80 microns thick of cast polyamide or polyester and a centrallayer of about 20 microns thick of aluminium or other suitable material.A problem of sharp points extending from the active electronics andpuncturing the sheet material was addressed by surrounding the activeelectronics with an extruded plastic mesh tube with large holes, plasticfoam, fish paper, or paper containing desiccant materials. After anelectrical connector is engaged a packet of desiccant/scavenger isinserted into the open end of the packaging and the back edge is sealedusing a simple heat sealing machine.

Japanese patent application JP2009040440A in the name of DainipponPrinting Co Ltd discloses an oxygen and moisture absorbing pouch, whichuses a moisture absorbing laminated body and an oxygen absorbinglaminated body. The moisture absorbing laminated body (a) consists of amoisture absorbing nonwoven fabric using a resin carrying a substratefilm (i), a barrier thin film layer (ii) and a drying agent (iii). Theoxygen absorbing laminated body (b) consists of an oxygen absorbingresin film comprising a resin composition comprising a substrate film(i), a barrier thin film layer (ii) and an oxidative resin (iii) or thelike. The bag (c) is manufactured so that the nonwoven fabric of themoisture absorbing laminated body (a) and the oxygen absorbing resinfilm of the oxygen absorbing laminated body (b) face each other.

A problem with this is that the laminate is relatively expensive tomanufacture. Furthermore, it does not provide oxygen absorbing andmoisture absorbing materials on the same wall of the bag. Therefore theoxygen and moisture absorbing functions do not fully surround theelectronic equipment.

Another approach is using packets of desiccant/scavenger. The packetsare localised in one part of the bag. Therefore the oxygen and moistureabsorbing functions do not fully surround the electronic equipment.Furthermore, packets of desiccant/scavenger can slip to the bottom ofthe bag, ending up in a pool of water, thus saturating them.

Another problem is that if the bags have different sizes, the then theuser would have to calculate or follow instructions to determine howmany packets or what size of packet should be added in order to put inthe correct amount of absorbing material.

When using packets of desiccant/scavenger added at the time of use, theuser has to keep a separate supply of packets of desiccant/scavenger.

If the bags are loaded with packets during manufacture, then they couldfall out.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

It is an object of aspects of the present invention to overcome at leastsome of the problems identified above.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided aflexible panel for use in a sealable bag having inner and outer layers,the flexible panel comprising at least one permeable inner layer and animpermeable outer layer affixed together so as to provide a plurality ofcavities for receiving sorbent material, the cavities being arranged ina pattern across the flexible panel.

Preferably, the flexible panel further comprises an impermeable innerlayer affixed to the impermeable outer layer and disposed on theopposite side of the at least one permeable inner layer from theimpermeable outer layer, wherein the impermeable inner layer isconfigurable in use to separate the cavities from contents of thesealable bag and is manually rupturable in use to expose the cavities tothe contents of the sealable bag.

Preferably, the impermeable inner layer is manually detachable in usefrom the impermeable outer layer to expose the cavities to the contentsof the sealable bag.

Preferably, the impermeable outer layer comprises an aperture for manualrupturing of the impermeable inner layer in use to expose the cavitiesto the contents of the sealable bag.

Preferably, the impermeable outer layer is provided with at least onefirst adhesive seal around the aperture and the impermeable inner layeris removably adhered to the at least one first adhesive seal to seal theaperture of the impermeable outer layer.

Preferably, the impermeable outer layer is provided with a secondadhesive seal configurable to seal the aperture of the impermeable outerlayer after removal of the impermeable inner layer from the at least onefirst adhesive seal.

Preferably, the flexible panel further comprises sorbent materialcontained in a plurality of the cavities.

Preferably, the sorbent material comprises at least one sorbent selectedfrom the group: moisture absorbing material, oxygen absorbing materialand odour adsorbing material.

Preferably, the flexible panel further comprises biological activityretardant material contained in a plurality of the cavities.

Preferably, at least one permeable inner layer is configured to providea plurality of channels.

Preferably, at least some of the channels are interconnected.

Preferably, at least some of the channels are configured to radiate froma port in the outer impermeable layer.

Preferably, the flexible panel further comprises tubes arranged in thechannels configured to wick moisture along the channels by capillaryaction.

Preferably, the flexible panel further comprises tie rods between a pairof layers in the flexible panel, the tie rods configured to becollapsible in use responsive to a pressure difference across the layersof the flexible panel.

Preferably, the flexible panel comprises a plurality of permeable layerswith differing pore sizes configured to separate different gasses and orliquids into different respective cavities bounded by the permeablelayers with differing pore sizes.

Preferably, the flexible panel flexible further comprises one or moreelectronic components operable to monitor or control a chemicalenvironment in a bag.

Preferably, the components are printed onto a layer of the flexiblepanel.

Preferably, the components comprise one or more components selected fromthe group: a sensor, a conductor, a heater, a processor, acommunications transmitter, a communications receiver and a GPSreceiver.

Preferably, the flexible panel further comprises a flow-regulatingoutlet port through the outer impermeable layer.

Preferably, the flexible panel further comprises an antistatic portthrough the outer impermeable layer.

Preferably, the flexible panel further comprises a condensation releasevalve in fluid communication with a port through the outer impermeablelayer.

Preferably, the flexible panel further comprises a thermoplastic tonguemember or a thermoplastic groove member of a heat sealable tongue andgroove closure.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provideda sealable bag comprising at least one flexible panel according to thefirst aspect.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provideda sealable bag apparatus comprising the sealable bag of the secondaspect and a sealed tablet comprising an outer manually-breakable seallayer surrounding a moisture absorber portion and an oxygen absorberportion.

Preferably, the sealable bag apparatus further comprises a self-heatingportion surrounded by the seal layer.

Preferably, the portions are arranged concentrically.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provideda sealed tablet comprising an outer manually-breakable seal layersurrounding a moisture absorber portion and an oxygen absorber portion.

Preferably, the sealed tablet further comprises a self-heating portionsurrounded by the seal layer.

Preferably, the portions are arranged concentrically.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provideda method of preserving an item, the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   providing a sealable bag comprising at least one flexible panel        comprising at least one permeable inner layer and an impermeable        outer layer affixed together so as to provide a plurality of        cavities, the cavities being arranged in a pattern across the        flexible panel, a plurality of the cavities containing sorbent        material, and wherein the flexible panel further comprises an        impermeable inner layer affixed to the impermeable outer layer        and disposed on the opposite side of the at least one permeable        inner layer from the impermeable outer layer, wherein the        impermeable inner layer separates the cavities from contents of        the sealable bag;    -   inserting an item to be preserved in the sealable bag;    -   sealing the bag;    -   introducing pacifying gas into the bag; and    -   manually rupturing the impermeable inner layer to expose the        cavities to the item in the sealed bag.

Preferably, the step of manually rupturing the impermeable inner layercomprises manually detaching the impermeable inner layer from theimpermeable outer layer to expose the cavities to the item in the sealedbag.

Preferably, the method of preserving an item further comprises the stepof providing an aperture in the impermeable outer layer, and wherein thestep of manually rupturing the impermeable inner layer uses theaperture.

Preferably, the method of preserving an item further comprises the stepsof:

-   -   providing the impermeable outer layer with at least one first        adhesive seal around the aperture;    -   removably adhering the impermeable inner layer to the at least        one first adhesive seal to seal the aperture of the impermeable        outer layer; and    -   manually rupturing the impermeable inner layer by manually        detaching the impermeable inner layer from the first adhesive        seal and pulling the impermeable inner layer out of the bag        through the aperture.

Preferably, the method of preserving an item further comprises the stepsof:

-   -   providing the impermeable outer layer with a second adhesive        seal; and    -   sealing the aperture of the impermeable outer layer using the        second adhesive seal after pulling the impermeable inner layer        out of the bag through the aperture.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provideda sealable disaster recovery bag comprising a flexible panel comprisingone or more electronic components operable to monitor or control achemical environment in the bag.

Preferably, the components are printed onto an internal layer of theflexible panel.

Preferably, the components comprise one or more components selected fromthe group: a sensor, a conductor, a heater, a processor, acommunications transmitter, a communications receiver and a GPSreceiver.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a disaster recovery system comprising the sealable disasterrecovery bag of the fifth aspect, the system further comprising a remotemodule in electrical and/or wireless communication with the sealabledisaster recovery bag, wherein the remote module is operable to monitorthe chemical environment in the sealable disaster recovery bag.

Preferably, the remote module is further operable to control thechemical environment in the sealable disaster recovery bag.

LIST OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way ofexample only with reference to the following drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates, in schematic form, a bag having various features inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 2A to 2C illustrate, in schematic form, sections of a flexiblepanel and bag with cavities for sorbent material in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A and 3B illustrate, in schematic form, cross sections of the bagshown in FIG. 2C, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 illustrates, in schematic form, a bag having sensors and controlcomponents in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates, in schematic form, a bag for use with an externalcontroller module in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 illustrates, in schematic form, a cross section of layers of thebag connected by tie rods in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 illustrates, in schematic form, a bag with cavities andinterconnected channels in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 illustrates, in schematic form, a bag with critical diameterpores in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates, in schematic form, a bag with a catchment reservoirin accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates, in schematic form, a bag with an externally poweredheating element in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates, in schematic form, a sealed tablet having activeingredients in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate, in schematic form, a bag having tongue andgroove heat sealable layers in accordance with embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 14A to 14C illustrate, in schematic form, sections of a flexiblepanel and bag with cavities for sorbent material defined bynon-continuous permeable layers in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 15A to 15C illustrate, in schematic form, sections of a flexiblepanel and bag with cavities for sorbent material defined by a singlepermeable layer in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 16 illustrates, in schematic form, a plan view of a bag having amanually rupturable impermeable inner layer in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate, in schematic form, cross sections of theempty bag shown in FIG. 16, having a manually rupturable impermeableinner layer adhered to first adhesive seals to seal an aperture, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate, in schematic form, cross sections of thebag shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, having been sealed with an iteminserted, and pacifying gas being pumped in.

FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate, in schematic form, cross sections of thesealed bag shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, after removal of the manuallyrupturable impermeable inner layer by pulling it out of the bag throughthe aperture.

FIGS. 20A and 20B illustrate, in schematic form, cross sections of thesealed bag shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, after sealing the aperture of theimpermeable outer layer using a second adhesive seal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Examples described herein takes in to consideration the mixed chemicalreaction that can take place, subsequently enhancing chemical actionsand reactions to get the desired effect in addition to allowing forexhaust, collection and control of unwanted by products, through anactive working enclosure comprising flexible panels.

Drying agents tend to clump during the water absorption process,disintegrate or form a syrupy layer. The approach described hereintackles this problem by containing sorbents in cavities.

Examples described herein provide chemical delivery and contaminationrecovery carried out in an encapsulated device with the integratedoption of sensor and microprocessor technology.

Examples described herein relate to a multifunction device that activelyprevents the onset of corrosion, retards biological activity, recoversexcess moisture, neutralizes acidic residue, and combats oxidizingchemical agents which are not limited to members of the chalcogen groupon the periodic table. This approach is applied to, but not limited to,electronic equipment following and not limited to incidents such asfires or pre and post disaster flooding.

This bag device having flexible panels works in low moistureenvironments and high moisture environments.

Examples described herein have the optional functionality allowing forselective interchangeable layer option to be used based on individualrequirements.

This allows for the option to use single or multi-layer configuration ofthe optional layers in combination or singly, using nano films, membraneconfiguration units, nano printed sensor films, oxygen and moistureretarding materials embedded into the film, ESD film, heating film,impact absorber sheet, external electronics controller module,monitoring sensors embedded material, custom build interlocking layers,multifunction sensor embedded material, gas removal filtration system,constant vacuum pull system, IP67 protection compliant sealing outermaterial, specially designed vacuum pull and channelled moisture and gaspath ways, allowing for simultaneous recovery and processing of morethan one contamination stream.

The ports and components can be configured and can be interchanged atmanufacturing stage. Sensors can also be placed on to alternative layersat manufacturing stage.

Examples described herein help to solve the problem of occupationalexposure (secondary contamination) of restoration and insurancepersonal, from exposure to off gassing of smoke damaged items. Such bagdevices retard corrosion without destroying the items placed inside thedevice.

Examples described herein help to solve the problem of occupationalexposure of restoration and insurance personal from water damaged items.Such bag devices retard biological activity without destroying the itemsplaced inside the device.

More elaborate examples of the bag may carry out real-time managementwith constant monitoring through smart sensors, printed directly onto aflexible layer surface using organic and printed electronics technologyand communication systems.

Unlike a vacuum bag, examples described herein provide an active workingenclosure, which can be adjusted to change the environment, limitinggaseous by-products, exchanging air, and removing condensation.

Acronyms used in the description are defined below:

ESD: Electrostatic discharge.

H₂0: The molecular formula for water.

Lipo: Lithium Polymer battery a type of rechargeable battery.

GPS: Global positioning system.

IP67: Ingress Protection from dust and protected against immersion.

PCB: printed circuit board.

EEPROM: read/write internal memory of an MCU.

Fogger: A device that spreads a chemical in the form of fog.

HCL: Hydrochloric acid.

FIG. 1 illustrates the following features:

1: Multifunction—Electronics pre and post disaster recovery device,comprising a bag having one or more flexible panels as its walls.

2: Contaminated item to be protected, placed inside the device.

3: Manual moisture indicator card pouch.

4: Manual moisture indicator card.

5: Manual moisture indicator card pull out activator tab.

6: Manual moisture indicator card self-seal flap over airtight seal.

7: Multi-layer sandwich configuration with one layer use or multi-layeruse option can be deployed.

8: Multi-layer sandwich configuration with one layer used or multi-layeruse option can be deployed.

9: Multi-layer sandwich configuration with one layer used or multi-layeruse option can be deployed.

10: Multi-layer sandwich configuration with one layer used ormulti-layer use option can be deployed.

11: Multi-layer sandwich configuration with one layer used ormulti-layer use option can be deployed.

12: Thermal seal lip on the open end of the enclosure for heat sealingairtight.

13: Zip lock seal on the open end of the enclosure for slide zip closureoption.

14: Strip and rod insert type seal on the open end of the enclosure.

15: Particulate filter for filtration and outlet exhaust of gasesproduced within the enclosure.

16: Particulate filter open and close valve.

17: ESD internal enclosure feature (connects to the equipment placedinside the enclosure).

18: ESD external 10 mm male stud (for connection to ESD grounding plug).

19: ESD internal flex connecting lead.

20: ESD internal connecter (connects to the item placed inside).

21: Fully sealed antistatic inlet valve, allows for gas to be pumped inexternally to the closed enclosure.

22: Fully sealed antistatic regulated outlet valve, allows for the gaswithin the enclosure to be removed under control after the penetrationtime is complete. Also allows for the air to be removed aiding in theair tight enclosure.

23: 360° vacuum pull valve, allows for the inner enclosure to bevacuumed.

24, 25, 26 and 27: Vacuum sealable sides—aids interlocking feature,custom builds and 1P67 protection.

28: Ionize air gun port, allows for an ionize gun to be connected fromexternal port to help dissipate static charges.

29: Optional wireless feature.

30: Optional condensation release valve.

31: Electronics connecter.

32: Vacuum pull lines, spread across the layers to help 360° vacuumpull, which is exctracting gas from all radial directions in the bagtowards the outlet port.

55: Optional manual heat activator pouch.

56: Optional manual heat activator packet.

Electronic equipment may be rescued through this active workingenclosure resulting in protection from further contamination anddegradation of the equipment, due to the threat or possibility ofcorrosive contamination penetrating the equipment.

Examples described herein prevent cross contamination by the potentiallycontaminated items being protected within the enclosure.

Examples described herein prevent occupational exposure by thepotentially contaminated items being protected within the enclosure.

Examples described herein prevent the spread of viruses, mould spores,asbestos fibres and other hazardous substances/material by thepotentially contaminated items being protected within the enclosure

Examples described herein allow an ingress rating of (IP67) protectingelectronics in the enclosure from outside environmental conditions aswell as preventing water ingress in to the sealed enclosure.

ESD material may be integrated into the material of the flexible panel.The flexible panel of the bag wall may have conductive tracks (forexample contact strips) affixed to or embedded in it.

The conductive tracks may be connected to an ESD external 10 mm malestud 18, for connection to ESD grounding strap or for static dischargeby a handheld static discharge device.

The conductive tracks may be connected to an internal card (such as thecomputer 38 with the entire processor being the size of a SD card) thatis additionally provided with an ESD removal chip.

The conductive tracks may be connected via the electronics connector 31to an external module (such as the electronics controller moduleexternally mounted outside of the bag) that is additionally providedwith an ESD removal chip.

Nitrogen may be used to re-inflate the enclosure and for air exchangebenefits.

This device uses puncture-resistant materials. The flexible panels ofthe bag may be made of layers of a plastic such as polyethylene (PE).This has the advantage that the layers may be heat sealed together.Thicker gauge polyethylene terephthalate (PET) may also be suitable andmay be more puncture-resistant.

Examples described herein provide ridges or tubes (FIG. 1, 32) thatradiate from the vacuum pull valve (FIG. 1, 23). This allows for 360°vacuum pull.

The air release valve feature, allows for gas to be sucked in along thewhole ridged pathways, which travels across the surface. This featureallows for the release of trapped air. This feature also allows formoisture movement to happen in order for the extraction to be moreeffective.

Examples described herein provide internal heating means. This approachallows for bags to incorporate thermal functions to encouragevaporisation of sitting water from the item placed inside the enclosureaided by the optional heat activator 55 by exposing the heat activatorto the open bag enclosure.

The sitting water is warmed up by heat generating material or layers.The increase in temperature encourages vaporisation of liquid to gaswhich is absorbed by the moisture absorbing material more easily. Thekinetic energy from the heating provides better mass transport of gaswithin the bag and can also increase the efficiency of the sorption. Thedevice can be used in conjunction with a specific heat calculator forexact amount of formulation. External heat trays can be placed outsideof the device aiding temperature settings. The temperature inside theenclosure is measured by either an infra-red thermometer or sensors,this measurement along with the mass will give an idea of how muchformulation needs to be added.

Examples described herein provide internal GPS/messaging means forremote monitoring, control and notifications. Examples described hereinincorporate a GPS tracking feature that is operational in real-time.Examples described herein incorporate a security and tamper feature thatis operational in real-time.

A regulated outlet functional to prevent damage to equipment beingprotected by too fast air flow (static) or impulse from deflating bag.Inlet and outlet ports are anti-static to reduce static build up in use.

Relative humidity should be kept within acceptable limits to avoidsusceptibility to static charge build up and ESD damage. The desiccantcan cause such problems by lowering the relative humidity below 10%. Oneway to avoid this problem is by using desiccants calibrated andspecified to only bring the relative humidity down to a certain level.In terms of reducing damage to the equipment in the bag, a relativehumidity of 37% or less is desirable. Therefore it is preferable toprovide a relative humidity within the range preferably with a lowerlimit of 11-12% and a higher limit of 37%. The electronic monitoring andcontrol functions described herein may use this range for controllimits. The heating elements described herein may be used for automaticcontrol of relative humidity in the bag.

With reference to FIG. 1, nitrogen or a specially formulated pacifyinggas is pumped in through the external inlet valve 21 for example bymeans of a thermo fogger.

The pacifying gas may be provided in two formulas. One formula of thepacifying gas is to be used after fires in order to retard the negativeeffects of the smoke damage on the equipment which is placed inside theenclosure for treatment and protection. The second formula of thepacifying gas is used pre- and post-flooding in order to retard thebiological activity and other negative effects on the equipment, whichis placed inside the enclosure for treatment and protection.

The gas particles are able to penetrate beneath components on circuitboard without the need for dismantle the equipment being placed insidethe enclosure, the gas has good adhesion properties when used inside theenclosure. Furthermore the enclosure helps the gas to create an evencoating on the equipment.

The gas stays in the sealed enclosure for a period of time, such as 5 to20 minutes. After such time it is sucked out by means of a wet vacuumdevice through the outlet valve 22.

Thus, after a period of dwell time, the gas is removed from theenclosure using a chemical filtered wet vac through the regulated outletvalve 22.The flow regulated outlet valve serves several purposesincluding preventing the electronics components from becoming looseneddue to the forces placed on them ordinarily in cases of unregulated airremoval.

As the gas is being removed some of the air is also removed underantistatic conditions provided by the antistatic features describedherein.

Then an antistatic vacuum device capable of handling moisture isconnected to the vacuum pull valve 23.The enclosure is then vacuumed,again flow-regulated preventing the electronics components from becomingloosened due to the forces placed on them ordinarily in cases ofunregulated vacuum removal.

The device can be used with liquid friendly vacuum chamber unitconvenient for puling liquids without damaging the vacuum device.

The equipment placed inside the device is now encapsulated in thisactive working enclosure and is constantly treated by means of, but notlimited to, activated ingredients as described herein. Furthermore,another feature of this bag device is its ability to being able toprocess and exhaust the produced gases and modify the environmentalconditions within the internal enclosure without having to open the bagdevice fully.

The bag is able to process and or exhaust and or filter the by-productsproduced as a result of the item placed in the device. In addition theapproach allows for the option of air exchange and condensation removal.The air exchange can be done with, but not limited to, nitrogenintroduced into the device.

This approach has embedded fully sealed antistatic inlet port throughwhich anti corrosive agent/gas can be pumped in under ESD control

This approach has embedded fully sealed antistatic inlet port throughwhich nitrogen can be pumped in under ESD control.

This approach has embedded fully sealed antistatic in let port throughwhich antimicrobial agent and relevant decontamination agent's dependenton contamination can be pumped in under ESD control.

This method of pumping in gases allows for the device to be coated andprotected without dismantling the equipment/item placed in it.

Regulated constant vacuum pull can be applied via the vacuum pull valve23 with the additional purpose of addressing vacuum leaks.

This vacuum pull valve 23 allows for a constant vacuum pull to beapplied, unlike other vacuum seal type bags, which can only be vacuumedone time, and then it is heat sealed shut. This feature allows for thevacuum to be applied after the heat sealing is done and at any timewhilst the equipment is in the device.

Nitrogen or a specially formulated gas is pumped in through the externalinlet valve 21 by means of a thermo fogger. The gas comes in twoformulas.

One formula of the gas is to be used after fires in order to retard thenegative effects of the smoke damage on the equipment which is placedinside the enclosure for treatment and protection.

The second formula of the gas is used pre and post flooding in order toretard the biological activity and other negative effects on theequipment, which is placed inside the enclosure for treatment andprotection.

The gas particles are able to penetrate beneath the components oncircuit board, without the need for dismantling of the equipment beingplaced inside the enclosure. The gas has good adhesion properties, whenused inside the enclosure. Furthermore the bag enclosure helps the gasto create an even coating on the equipment.

The gas adheres to the surface decreasing oxygen production andpreventing oxygen introduction. The gas will not introduce oxygen to thesurface as the bonded surface rejects air penetration reducingdegradation of the newly formed protective coating.

Examples described herein provide a particle filter on the outlet (FIG.1, 15) functioning to filter exhaust gases for operator safety.

The filter 15 is designed for filtration and provides an outlet forexhaust, for gases produced within the enclosure, resulting from inducedchemical reactions and by-products.

The particulate filter 15 for a gas removal system does not let air in.

Examples described herein provide that the gas that is pumped incontains wax functioning to coat the equipment being protected andfunctions to protect fusing of smoke particles to the outer casing ofthe equipment.

The specially formulated gas serves another purpose. Ordinarily, smokedamaged items placed inside a vacuumed bag would cause the outer layerof the bag and the outer casing of the equipment to fuse the acidicsmoke to the casing, making it difficult to remove the smoke staining.The specially formulated gas solves this problem.

In addition to the benefits offered by the gas in terms of preventingfusing of smoke to the equipment casing, the appropriate contact layerof the device material has a wax coating, offering enhanced protectionfrom fusing.

The wax layered coatings stops fusion and acid attack of the materialsbeing protected. This material draws smoke residues into its layerswhilst the wax provides a sponge effect drawing in the highly chargedsmoke particles particularly important in high protein type smokeresidues.

Examples described herein provide that the gas that is pumped in isbioactive and functions to retard biological activity (e.g. fromflooding by seawater).

Examples described herein provide a condensation release valve (FIG. 1,30).

A condensation control feature 30 may be integrated in to the device.The channels are fitted into the ridges that as mentioned also act asimpact barriers, the moisture can be released out of the bag device asand when necessary.

Examples described herein provide a tongue and groove seal that is heatsealable functioning to close the bag (FIGS. 1, 12 and 13).

The bag 1 allows for electronic equipment to be placed inside the devicethen closed airtight by any of the closing mechanisms: thermal heatsealing 12; zip Iock™ seal slide 13; and strip and rod insert type seal14. A combination one or more of the three closing mechanisms can beused.

This bag can be heat sealed or glued or strip sealed or zip-locked airtight, or can be used in combination with all three closing mechanismscreating a triple lock system.

The interlocking design (with sealable thermal lips and slats, tongueand grove) allows for custom builds. Active glue may be used to bond thesurface creating an air tight seal.

Examples described herein provide a moisture indicator card in a pouchfor manual revealing after initial gas/liquid flow (FIG. 1, 3-6).

Examples described herein provide an ionised air gun port (FIG. 1, 28)that allows for an ionised air gun to be connected to dissipate staticcharge in the bag.

An ionized air gun port is featured in the design allowing for ionizedair gun operation.

Examples described herein provide internal ESD connectors on the insideof the bag to connect to the equipment being protected (FIG. 1, 17).

Examples described herein thus provide another feature, with wire earthnode and attachments to combat static build up and static build upproduced by air flow across the surfaces. The inside of the bag deviceallows for a crocodile type clip or screw to connect directly to theitem inside. Also attached for external access is an ESD bonding pointwith a 10 mm diameter.

Examples described herein provide a strip and rod closing mechanismfunctioning to close the bag (FIG. 1, 14).

The item 2 is placed inside the device thus becoming encapsulated. Thena specially formulated gas is pumped in to the closed device through theinlet port 21.

The bag may recover hydrogen halides using activated carbon sorbent andusing pacifying gas to pacify HCl. It also recovers water vapour, thusessential in preventing the production of acid. Hydrogen halides arecolourless gases at room temperature producing fumes in moist air.

The mouth of the bag may be heat (or otherwise) sealed at the point ofmanufacture for storage and transport. Then before use the seal may bebroken in order to insert the equipment or item to be preserved.Subsequently, the mouth of the bag is resealed.

FIGS. 2A to 2C illustrate, sections of a flexible panel and bag withcavities for sorbent material. The example described with reference toFIGS. 2A to 2C may be used in combination with any of the featuresdescribed with reference to FIG. 1.

FIGS. 2A to 2C illustrate the following features:

33: An impermeable outer layer of the bag.

34: Permeable inner layers of the bag.

69: Cavities arranged in a pattern across the flexible panel.

70: Sorbent material contained in the cavities.

71: A port through the flexible panel.

72: The sealed edges of the bag.

73: Channels defined by the innermost permeable layer of the bag.

In the Figures of panels and bags showing cross sections and describedherein, small gaps are left between some features in order to aidunderstanding of the structures being depicted. For example in FIG. 2B,the heat sealed layers 72 are shown as not being abutting, however theyare actually in contact with each other. The same is true for example atthe feature labelled 73.

With reference to FIG. 2A a section of flexible panel is shown for usein a sealable bag having inner and outer layers, the flexible panel hastwo permeable inner layers 34 and an impermeable outer layer 33 affixedtogether so as to provide a plurality of cavities 69 for receivingsorbent material 70. The cavities 69 are arranged in a pattern acrossthe flexible panel. In this case the pattern is an array of constantpitch, however any pattern arrangement that spreads the cavities, andtherefore sorbent materials, across the flexible panel (and thereforeinner side of the bag) would be suitable. A port 71 is shown extendingthrough all of the layers of the flexible panel. The port 71 is used forintroducing into and removing gas and/or liquid from the bag. It isshown here open, but can be connected to with a hose or a closed with acap. Suitable connectors may be used, such as bayonet or a threadedconnector. The port 71 may correspond to the external inlet valve 21,outlet valve 22 or vacuum pull valve 23 described with reference to FIG.1.

The flexible panel may have one or more electronic components operableto monitor or control a chemical environment in the bag. In this examplea sensor 36 is provided printed onto the internal layer 34 of theflexible panel.

Other components may be provided by being affixed or printed on internallayers of the bag, such as: a conductor, a heater, a processor, acommunications transmitter, a communications receiver and a GPSreceiver.

One or more permeable inner layer may be semi-permeable. This allows thematerial to influence the chemical environment in the bag by onlyallowing certain molecules or ions to pass through it by diffusion.

The sorbent material 70 may comprise moisture absorbing and/or oxygenabsorbing materials. This influences the chemical environment inside thebag by reducing both the moisture levels and oxygen levels in the bag.This is useful for protecting electronic equipment.

The sorbent material 70 may comprise odour adsorbing materials. Thisinfluences the chemical environment inside the bag by reducing odours,so aiding the recovery of the electronic equipment to an acceptablestate for reuse.

Although sorbent materials 70 are shown as cylindrical pellets, theycould be any shape that fits in a corresponding cavity 69.

The innermost permeable inner layer 34 is configured to provide aplurality of channels 73. In this example of FIGS. 2A to 2C, a pair ofpermeable inner layers 34 are affixed together so as to provide theplurality of channels 73 in the inner layer 34 commensurate with thepattern of cavities. Channels 73 defined by the inner layer provide anadvantageous distributed flow of liquid and gas inside the bag, both toand from inlets and outlets and in to contact with material in thecavities. The channels need not be defined by the cavities, however itis convenient to have just one fabrication or patterning step, such asheat sealing, define both the cavities and channels at the same time.

The permeability of the outermost of the inner permeable layers 33allows the sorbent to reduce condensation on the inside of the outerpermeable layer 34.

Examples described herein provide that flexible panels may containmoisture absorber (desiccant) and/or oxygen absorber materials (50 inFIG. 7).

FIG. 3A and 3B illustrate, in schematic form, cross sections of the bagshown in FIG. 2C along dotted lines AA and AB respectively. Featuresshown in FIGS. 3A and 3B that are labelled with the same referencenumerals correspond to the identical features illustrated in FIGS. 2A to2C.

Within the active bag enclosure in its layer lie chemical agents tied into the specially made ridges of the layer material 33 and 34 (47 in FIG.7) capable of absorbing oxygen (for example iron powder) and capable ofabsorbing moisture (for example silica gel) as well as retardingbiological activity, in addition to functions carried by this layermaterial with its channelled pathways. The retarding of biologicalactivity aids the recovery of the electronic equipment by protecting thepersonnel who open the bag from harmful biologically active material.

Water damaged items can be placed in the bag device, to absorb waterusing the highly absorbent material. This material absorbs and locks inmoisture many times greater than its own size.

The system allows for the option of integrated fire odour adsorbertechnology by means of and not limited to activated carbon inserts.

FIG. 4 illustrates the following features:

35: Sensor embedded layer.

36: Various sensors printed on to the film layer.

37: Electronics connector port.

38: Optional placement of an internal monitoring and/or controllercomputer. The entire processor may be the size of a SD (Secure Digital)card.

FIG. 5 illustrates the following features:

39: Optionally, the electronics controller module 39 may be externallymounted outside of the enclosure.

37: Connector port.

40: EEPROM read/write memory.

41: Printed circuit board.

42: Lithium battery.

43: Electronics components.

The gas film layer, deposited on the equipment components in the bag,after a prolonged time may become less effective. Thus the problem;usually at this point the device would become less effective. However afeature of this device allows for the electronics components of thedevice to take over keeping the device active, protecting the item forseveral months at a time.

This approach allows for the chemical or electrochemical or biologicalor thermal or combinations of the aforementioned surrounding conditionswithin the enclosure to be changed and adjusted for optimal protectionof the item placed inside the device. This may be done, for example bythe controller activating the heater, actuating electromechanical outletvalves (not shown), or sending an alert to trigger action by atechnician.

Examples described herein provide an internal electronic controller withinternal sensors optionally embedded in the bag multilayer flexiblepanel, alternatively with external connectors to an external controller.

With reference to FIG. 4, interconnected layers provide the option forsensor technology 35. With reference to FIG. 5, interconnected layersmay including real-time monitoring and computing technology 38.

Examples of the bag may include a colorimetric sensor, which may provideaccurate measurement of oxygen transition rates within this type of bagenclosure.

This approach can measure a range of pre-set conditions. Versions of thebag can function in real time, through microprocessors, sensor embeddedfilms (FIG. 4) and remote monitoring and software programs which canprocess the pre-set conditions of the environment within the device,allowing for critical optimal preferred levels to be maintained.Real-time alert notifications can be sent to the user, giving warningsof unwanted environmental conditions encountered within the device inaddition to location tracking, movement and tampering of the device.This location and GPS tracking feature can be used as standalone devicefor transportation purposes.

This approach allows for manual intervention, or for the more elaborateversions to offer remote intervention where manual intervention tomonitor or adjust the conditions within the enclosure is not feasible,practical or desired. This remote activation and assistance featureallows for remote monitoring and or adjustment of the surroundingconditions inside the device.

The approach has the optional functionality to change the environmentwithin the enclosure, actively protecting the item for months at a time.

FIG. 6 illustrates the following features:

44: Cross section of the tie rod connection setup.

45: Cross section of the material layers connected by the tie rods.

46: Tie rods.

Examples described herein provide a multi-layer bag with spacers (tierods, FIG. 6) between layers to allow gas/moisture flow but that arecollapsible when the full vacuum is applied.

The tie rods 46 supports lifts between the layers and prevents sticking,allows for lifting of the individual layers, helps function moreeffectively helping in better distribution of gas and nitrogen beingpumped in, allows for the inside environmental adjustment withoutopening the enclosure.

Nano tie rods may be fitted between the sheets, to prevent moisture andgas vapour pockets traps. The tie rods allow for lifting between sheetsto allow for air movement.

FIG. 7 illustrates the following features:

47: Raised ridge complete layer.

48: Pathways between the raised ridges corresponding to the cavitiesbetween the inner and outer layers support moisture and gas flow andprevent pathway blockages giving alternative routes for the gas andmoisture to travel.

49: The raised ridges also act as impact barriers and thus areconstructed to absorb shock impacts.

50: The raised ridges may contain moisture absorbing and oxygenabsorbing materials.

51: Shows the optional fixed placed close-proximity heat activator.

Examples described herein provide tubes in the channels functioning towick moisture by capillary action.

Examples described herein provide ridges/channels in the inner surfaceof the bag with channels functioning to facilitate gas/moisture flow.

This approach helps to address the negative effects encountered bycompression blockage narrowing or blockage of the channels caused byvacuum pull and surface contact of the device. The width depth and gaugeof the channels and ridges allow for water molecules and gases to bedirected to another channel should one channel become blocked.

This approach allows the H₂0 molecules to leave the material to be driedand gives the H₂0 molecules a path to the drying agent 48. Furthermore,this approach allows molecules to diffuse into the reactive dryingagent.

Due to the precisely placed desiccant material 50, when moisture flowsthrough these pathways, this design feature allows for the moisture tomake contact with the chemical agent. This action allows for themoisture to be arrested locking the moisture in to the materialchambers. This helps to reduce the quantity of free water moleculeswithin in the device in turn reducing oxidation and biological activity.

Examples described herein provide ridges functioning as impact barriers.

The ridges 49 are designed and constructed to give a cushion affectacting as impact barriers, helping to absorb shocks from knocks andbangs thus reducing the impact on the equipment placed inside thedevice, during for instance, transporting. The ridges 49 correspond tothe cavities shown in FIGS. 2A to 3B, as well as the cavities shown inFIGS. 16 to 20B.

The features described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 4 to 13 may, eachor in combination, be used in combination with the examples describedwith reference to FIGS. 2A to 3C as well as in combination with theexamples described with reference to FIGS. 14A to 20.

With reference to FIG. 7, another feature provides for the use oftubing, shaped like drinking straws, vertically configured on thepathways along the ridges 48 giving function to capillary movementthrough cohesion and adhesion.

When water comes in contact with the tubing, the tiny tube-shapedinserts allows the water to be pulled away, drawn through the tubingtowards the positioned outlet valve. This helps to reduce the reactionbetween the water and the metallic surface (oxidisation). Thisconfiguration also helps to combat the chemical reactions particularlythat which takes place when HCL meets H₂0 molecules in the confines of aclosed space, intensifying the likelihood for corrosion and giving riseto the problem of sweating inside the enclosure.

Another design feature makes use of gravity, vacuum pressure,temperature, and vapour pressure to assist with the desired movement ofwater vapour and other fluids (gases or liquids) within the enclosure.

The device uses both condensation and evaporation process to itsadvantage in recovering greater amounts of contaminants than otherwisewithout.

With reference to FIG. 7, at least some of the channels 73 may beinterconnected. The interconnection of the channels 73 provides afurther distributed flow of liquid and gas inside the bag and in tocontact with further material in the cavities. At least some of thechannels may be configured to radiate from an outlet of the bag. Thechannels radiating from an outlet of the bag provides channelled flow ofliquid and gas inside the bag towards the outlet. This feature allowsfor the release of trapped air, and allows for moisture movement tohappen in order for the extraction to be more effective.

FIG. 8 illustrates the following features:

52: Shows the critical membrane diameter layer which is used.

53: Points to critical diameter pores (not to scale).

FIG. 9 illustrates the following features:

54: Shows the optional one way entrapment catchment layer.

57: Shows the catchment reservoir.

Examples described herein provide membrane layer with different sizedpores 53 functioning to separate and entrap different gases/liquids.

The layers may have a selectively permeable membrane, differentiallypermeable membrane configuration assembled to order at the manufacturestage.

Vacuum sealable material is integrated into the multi-layer design,which consists of individual layers of specific material, including ESDmaterial, membrane molecular sieves, chemical delivery membrane andmultipurpose raised ridged layer acting as an impact absorber and a pathto the drying agent.

The multi-layer feature allows for oxygen, moisture, gases, odourmolecules and volatile organic molecules to channel through the correctpaths using respective critical diameter pores embedded within eachspecific layer.

The molecular sieve design of the optional multi-layer material, allowsfor each gas and liquid to be selectively trapped on to the preferredlayer, for removal or absorption or decontamination.

The active individual layer arrangement, favours an efficientperformance of the load distribution on each membrane configuration.

FIG. 10 illustrates the following features:

58: Shows the optional fully collapsible heating layer.

59: Shows the outer layer.

60: Heating element.

61: Electronics connector port.

Examples described herein provide internal heating means, optionally asheating layer (FIG. 10, 58, 60), optionally with external electricalconnections.

The bag may allow for vaporisation of sitting water. This is aided bythe optional heating element 60.

FIG. 11 illustrates the following features:

62: Readymade active ingredients ball.

63: Oxidising agent.

64: Heat generator material.

65: Moisture absorbing agent.

66: Peel of tab protective packaging.

With reference to FIG. 11, a spherical ball-shaped tablet of moistureabsorber (desiccant) and oxygen absorber materials and optional heatingchemicals is shown. It for use in a bag. It is activated by breaking aseal (e.g. peeling). This ball or tablet can be provided on its own oras a consumable for use with any sealable bag. The tablet is not limitedto being spherical in shape, for example it may be a cylinder, cubecuboid, cone, hexagonal prism, ellipsoid, cone, prism or pyramid.

This tablet can work with the active ingredients being chemical agent,moisture absorber and heat activator, kept in individual compartments orlayers of the tablet readymade in to the ball of FIG. 11 which isactivated by peeling of the packaging 66 and placing directly in to thebag.

The ball option containing the active ingredients 62 allows for thechemical agents to work more effectively, the ball option is useful whenusing custom build option to encase large electronic equipment,machinery, etcetera. The ball may be used with a plain bag (having nosorbents). For example in the event of a flood warning a television orsofa for example could be placed in a large bag. After breaking the sealon the ball by tearing off the peelable layer and putting the ball intothe bag. The ball may further contain a structure, such as a cage or amesh, to contain the materials of the ball and separate them from thecontents of the bag, while allowing the oxygen and moisture absorbers tofunction.

FIG. 12 illustrates the following feature:

67: Shows the tongue side of the (tongue and groove) heat sealablelayer, which aids custom builds and seal tightness. In custom builds,flexible panels provided in sheets or on a roll may be cut to size andassembled into larger structures using the heat sealing and/or tongueand groove to attach panels together.

FIG. 13 illustrates the following feature:

68: Shows the groove side of the (tongue and groove) heat sealablelayer, which aids custom builds and seal tightness.

In FIGS. 14A to 15C, references numerals in common with those describedwith reference to FIGS. 2A to 2C describe the same features.

FIGS. 14A to 14C illustrate, in schematic form, sections of a flexiblepanel and bag with cavities for sorbent material defined bynon-continuous permeable layers 34. In this example the inner layers 34defining the cavities may be affixed to the outer layer using adhesive.The pairs of permeable inner layers 34 have gaps 74 between them in theplane of the flexible panel so as to provide a similar effect as theplurality of channels 73 illustrated in FIGS. 2A to 2C. Similar to thechannels 73 discussed with reference to FIGS. 2A to 2C, the gaps 74 inthis example defined by the edges of the inner layers provide anadvantageous distributed flow of liquid and gas inside the bag, both toand from inlets and outlets and in to contact with material in thecavities.

FIGS. 15A to 15C illustrate, in schematic form, sections of a flexiblepanel and bag with cavities for sorbent material defined by a singlepermeable layer.

With reference to FIGS. 15A to 15C, in this example the inner layer isaffixed to the outer layer by conventional heat sealing. In thisexample, the impermeable outer layer 33 and a permeable inner layer 34are affixed together so as to provide a plurality of channels 73 in theinner layer 34 commensurate with the pattern of cavities. Channels 73defined by the inner layer provide an advantageous distributed flow ofliquid and gas inside the bag, both to and from inlets and outlets andin to contact with material in the cavities. The outer layer also haschannels, but it is the channels 73 defined by the inner layer thatprovide an advantageous distributed flow of liquid and gas inside thebag, both to and from inlets and outlets and in to contact with materialin the cavities.

Having the approach of a permeable inner layer with cavities arranged ina pattern across the flexible panel allows the sorbent and optionalbiologically retardant material to influence the chemical environment inthe bag by allowing liquids or gases to pass through the inner layer,while keeping the sorbent (such as the moisture absorbing and/or oxygenabsorbing materials) separated from the contents of the bag and at thesame time distributed across the flexible panel, so covering a largearea of the items (such as electrical equipment) in the bag.

With multiple cavities being in the flexible panel, they distribute thelocation of the sorbent away from the bottom and corners of the bagwhere liquid can gather that could saturate the material.

Having the cavities integrated with the bag allows loading duringmanufacture of the flexible panels of the bag with the optimum amount ofsorbent. Thus the flexible panels can be manufactured with the optimumamount of sorbent per unit area. The flexible panels may be convenientlymanufactured and shipped as a long roll that can be cut to the desiredlength of panels by the end user, for assembly into bags of the optimumsize.

The mouth of the bag may be sealed by heat sealing the lips of the mouthdefined by the flexible panel. Alternatively, the mouth of the bag maybe sealed by attachment to a floor, using tape for example. If a such abag is made of several flexible panels attached together, it is ineffect a tent that will protect and preserve its contents. This isuseful for large and heavy equipment that cannot be easily lifted into abag.

During manufacture, or even if the user loads the material into thecavities themselves, then the size of the cavities defined by theaffixing pattern can serve to measure out the sorbent with the usersimply filling up the cavities in turn to give a total amountproportional to the inner surface of the bag.

The cavities can be preloaded during manufacture with sorbent, thusreducing the number of components in the system for the end user. Thus,the user does not have the inconvenience of carrying separate packets ofabsorber material.

Preloading the cavities during manufacture can secure the sorbentmaterials so that they don't fall out of the bag.

As discussed with reference to FIG. 1, nitrogen or a speciallyformulated pacifying gas may be pumped in through the inlet valve 21 bymeans of a thermo fogger. A problem is that when pumping the pacifyingmedium into the bag to coat the surface of the equipment therein, thepacifying medium can interact with the sorbent and/or biologicallyretardant material. This can make the surface coating delivered by thepacifying medium less effective. It can also contaminate the sorbentand/or biologically retardant material, making it less effective inprotecting the equipment from corrosion.

FIGS. 16 to 20 disclose an embodiment that addresses this problem.

FIG. 16 illustrates, in schematic form, a bag having a manuallyrupturable impermeable inner layer.

The bag may have a flexible panel with cavities for sorbent material inaccordance with the example described with reference to any of FIGS. 2Ato 3B, 14A to 14C, 15A to 15C, alone or in combination. Alternatively,in other embodiments (not shown in the Figures) the manually rupturableimpermeable inner layer described with reference to FIG. 16 to 20C maybe used with flexible panels having no cavities for sorbent material.For example the sorbent materials may be in loose sachets in the bag orprovided as layers laminated in the flexible panel or as separatesheets. In any case, the manually rupturable impermeable inner stillserves to separate the sorbent from the item in the bag while thepacifying gas is being used.

The bag 75 is shown in plan view with an outer layer 33. The dottedlines show the edges of curved features visible in plan view, thusindicating the topology of the bag. FIGS. 17A to 17B show the same bagin cross section along lines CC and DD respectively. With reference toFIG. 16, the flexible panel 76 has at least one permeable inner layerand an impermeable outer layer 33 affixed together so as to provide aplurality of cavities for receiving sorbent material, the cavities beingarranged in a pattern across the flexible panel. In this view, only theimpermeable outer layer 33 of the flexible panel is visible. Around theflexible panel, the heat sealed edges 72 of the bag are shown. Theexternal inlet valve 21 and outlet valve 22 are shown.

In this document and claims, affixed can mean directly affixed, forexample in contact, and indirectly affixed, for example indirectly viaanother layer or via an intermediate adhesive layer.

An impermeable inner layer 77 can be seen protruding from an aperture 78in the impermeable outer layer 33.

The impermeable outer layer 33 is provided with a second adhesive seal79, covered by a peelable protective layer 80.

FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate, in schematic form, cross sections of theempty bag shown in FIG. 16, having a manually rupturable impermeableinner layer 77 adhered to first adhesive seals 81 to seal an aperture.

The impermeable inner layer 77 is affixed to the impermeable outer layer33 at the heat sealed edge of the bag 72 and disposed on the oppositeside of the pair of permeable inner layers 34 from the impermeable outerlayer 33. The impermeable inner layer 77 is configured to separate thecavities 69 from contents of the sealable bag. In this example, theinner layer 77 is affixed indirectly by the heat seal 72 to the outerlayer 33 via the sandwiched inner layers 34.

The impermeable outer layer 33 is provided with at least one firstadhesive seal 81 around the aperture 78. The impermeable inner layers 77are removably adhered to the first adhesive seals 81 to seal theaperture 78 of the impermeable outer layer 33. The extremities of theaperture 78 (visible in FIG. 16) may not be completely sealed by thefirst adhesive seal with the impermeable inner layer adhered to it.However, by making the sheet of impermeable inner layer 77 and firstadhesive seal 81 the same or nearly the same width as the aperture 78,an acceptable seal may be maintained. Alternatively or in addition,external adhesive patches (not shown) may be applied to the extremitiesof the aperture to enhance the sealing.

As will be described further in the following figures, the impermeableouter layer 33 comprises an aperture 78 for manual rupturing of theimpermeable inner layer 77 in use to expose the cavities 69 (and thesorbents 70 contained therein) to the contents of the sealable bag.

FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate, in schematic form, cross sections of thebag shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, having had an item 82 inserted, andhaving been sealed at the mouth of the bag 83. Features in FIGS. 18A and18B that are not labelled with reference numerals correspond to theidentical features illustrated in FIGS. 17A and 17B. The mouth of thebag 83 may be sealed by heat sealing 84 of the impermeable outer layers33 that define the mouth of the bag. Pacifying gas is illustrated beingpumped in as a large arrow 85. Features in FIGS. 18A and 18B that arenot labelled with reference numerals correspond to the identicalfeatures illustrated in FIGS. 17A and 17B.

FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate, in schematic form, cross sections of thesealed bag shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, after removal of the manuallyrupturable impermeable inner layer 77 by pulling it out of the bagthrough the aperture 78. Features in FIGS. 19A and 19B that are notlabelled with reference numerals correspond to the identical featuresillustrated in FIGS. 17A and 17B.

The remnants 86 of the impermeable inner layer 77 are shown. Theimpermeable inner layer 77 is thus manually rupturable in use to exposethe cavities 69 to the contents 82 of the sealable bag. In this examplethe impermeable inner layer 77 is manually detachable in use from theimpermeable outer layer 33 to expose sorbent materials 70 in thecavities 69 to the contents 82 of the sealable bag. It will be apparentto the skilled person that to be detachable means that the impermeableinner layer becomes substantially unattached to the impermeable outerlayer. For example, as described herein, a relatively small remnant ofthe impermeable inner layer remains affixed to the impermeable outerlayer, when the impermeable inner layer is detached.

Other ways of manually rupturing the impermeable inner layer 77 mayinclude tearing by distorting the bag or pulling a string through asmall aperture in the impermeable outer layer 33 so as to tear theimpermeable inner layer 77.

The impermeable outer layer 33 is provided with a second adhesive seal79. The second adhesive seal 79 is configurable to seal the aperture 78of the impermeable outer layer 33 after removal of the impermeable innerlayer 77 from the at least one first adhesive seal 81. In this exampleshown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the protective strip shown in FIGS. 16 to17B has been removed prior to the next step shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B.

Furthermore, a cap 87 has been put on the inlet port 21.

FIGS. 20A and 20B illustrate, in schematic form, cross sections of thesealed bag shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, after sealing the aperture of theimpermeable outer layer using a second adhesive seal. Features in FIGS.20A and 20B that are not labelled with reference numerals correspond tothe identical features illustrated in FIGS. 17A and 17B. The top of theimpermeable outer layer 33 has been folded over to bring the secondadhesive seal 79 in place to cover the aperture 78. The second adhesiveseal 79 seals the aperture by adhering to a part of the first adhesiveseal 81 and the other surface of the outer impermeable layer 33.

With reference to FIGS. 16 to 20B, a method of preserving an item isdescribed below.

The method comprises the steps of:

-   -   providing a sealable bag comprising at least one flexible panel        comprising at least one permeable inner layer 34 and an        impermeable outer layer 33 affixed together so as to provide a        plurality of cavities 69. The cavities 69 are arranged in a        pattern across the flexible panel. A plurality of the cavities        69 contain sorbent material 70 such as oxygen absorber and/or        moisture absorber. The flexible panel further comprises an        impermeable inner layer 77 affixed to the impermeable outer        layer 33 and disposed on the opposite side of the permeable        inner layers 34 from the impermeable outer layer 33. Thus the        impermeable inner layer 77 separates the cavities 69 and sorbent        70 contained therein from contents 82 of the sealable bag;    -   inserting an item to be preserved 82 in the sealable bag;    -   sealing 84 the bag;    -   introducing 85 pacifying gas into the bag;    -   removing pacifying gas from the bag after a dwell time. This        step is optionally omitted if the pacifying gas can become        depleted over time, such that it is acceptable to then allow it        to reach the sorbent material in the cavities; and    -   manually rupturing the impermeable inner layer to expose the        cavities 69 (and this the sorbent 70) to the item 82 in the        sealed bag.

The step of manually rupturing the impermeable inner layer may involvemanually detaching the impermeable inner layer from the impermeableouter layer to expose the cavities to the item in the sealed bag.

The aperture 78 is provided in the impermeable outer layer, and the stepof manually rupturing the impermeable inner layer uses the aperture.

The method may further comprising the steps of:

-   -   providing the impermeable outer layer 33 with at least one first        adhesive seal 81 around the aperture 78;    -   removably adhering the impermeable inner layer 77 to the at        least one first adhesive seal 81 to seal the aperture 78 of the        impermeable outer layer 33; and    -   manually rupturing the impermeable inner layer 77 by manually        detaching the impermeable inner layer 77 from the first adhesive        seal 81 and pulling the impermeable inner layer 77 out of the        bag through the aperture 78.

Finally, the method further comprises the steps of:

-   -   providing the impermeable outer layer 33 with a second adhesive        seal 79; and    -   sealing the aperture 78 of the impermeable outer layer (see        FIGS. 20A and 20B) using the second adhesive seal 79 after        pulling the impermeable inner layer 77 out of the bag through        the aperture 78.

1. A flexible panel for use in a sealable bag having inner and outerlayers, the flexible panel comprising at least one permeable inner layerand an impermeable outer layer affixed together so as to provide aplurality of cavities for receiving sorbent material, the cavities beingarranged in a pattern across the flexible panel. 2.-39. (canceled)